Robotics

The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in Computer Science offers a curriculum tailored towards intelligent robotics.

Overview

The programme is tailored to understanding how robots perceive the world, build models and plans, and take actions to manipulate their environment. This is done by focusing on machine learning, control, computer vision and artificial intelligence.

Why study Robotics?

The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in Computer Science offers a curriculum tailored towards intelligent robotics. Robotics is one of the sciences that is most likely to change the way our societies are structured. The central objective in the field is to reduce human responsibility for dull, dirty and dangerous jobs. Advances in the field have meant that we are closer than ever to achieving this, but a number of difficult challenges remain. These challenges need smart people to solve them, and this programme will equip you with the required knowledge to do this.

The research report component of the programme requires you to conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor.  The topic that you will focus on will be formulated by you and your supervisor, focussing on cutting edge problems in the field of intelligent robotics.

Why study Robotics at Wits?

Wits has a large and expanding group of roboticists publishing original research in leading local and international publications. Robotics is recognised as a strategic priority both by government and the university, with strong growth expected in the sector. Wits has a variety of robot hardware as well as staff and students with the mathematical and technical skill to drive advances in the field.

Career Opportunities

Robotics, Machine Learning, Process Automation, Academia, Finance.

Curriculum

Compulsory courses:

  • COMS7070A Research Report: Robotics [After completing coursework]
  • COMS7073A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Robotics
  • COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning
  • COMS7049A Robotics
  • COMS7050A Computer Vision
  • COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning

2 Electives from:

  • COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms
  • COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence
  • COMS7045A High-Performance Computing and Scientific Data Management
  • COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems
  • COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science
  • COMS7055A Data Privacy and Ethics
  • COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration
  • COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science
  • COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
  • COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming
  • COMS7062A Advanced Topics in Data Science
  • COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science
  • COMS7065A Computational Intelligence
  • COMS7066A Natural Language Technology
  • COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics
  • COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms, Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.

Applicants require a minimum average of 65 percent.

This is a highly competitive programme and therefore this minimum requirement allows your application to be considered, and does not guarantee admission.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.